Rector Press Releases and Promos

Stan Rector and Associates leverage technology to set a new standard for real estate services in 2016 January 2016:

Stan Rector and Associates has embraced today’s real estate technology to expand the buying pool for a luxury estate from local to global. The real estate professionals anticipate a higher volume of Ventura County fine estate sales as a result of their cutting- edge marketing and high-level client relations focus, made possible due to their strategic marketing model for 2016. “Luxury homes deserve the highest quality marketing and representation. Our affiliation with Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate and LuxuryRealEstate.com help us enhance a property’s exposure. We have incorporated the tools and resources necessary to attract fine estates buyers around the globe and offer detailed, room-by-room tours to help them find what they are looking for,” Rector said. Celebrating their 2015 accomplishments, Stan and Renee Rector, Jeannie Sattler and their assistant, Tiffany Anderson, hit a new level of success with Troop Real Estate Inc. as qualifiers for the Platinum Award. This award earned the agents a company-sponsored retreat to Kauai, Hawaii. But the real estate dynamos are keeping their momentum by helping home sellers and home buyers capitalize on Southern California’s strengthening housing market. “The recovery in the housing market, the equity sellers now have in their homes and the continuance of low interest rates has made this a very balanced market. Buyers are more educated and more cautious than ever, so they’re taking a little more time and not jumping into a purchase. Simi Valley and surrounding areas’ housing inventory remained historically low in 2015, and therefore, with fewer houses to compete with, sellers still got market value for their homes, sometimes more, if marketed and priced strategically,” Rector said. Stan Rector and Associates is a full- service real estate business operating with the brokerage Troop Real Estate. Their high-tech, high-touch platform provides on-demand client service and expertise that the majority of real estate agents strive to achieve. Despite the real estate crash of 2007 and 2008, the real estate professionals have achieved an admirable level of accomplishment. “2007 and 2008 were by far the toughest years to get through. At that time, we became certified distressed property experts and learned how to negotiate with banks, negotiators, investors and asset managers. This gave us an edge into the 2009-11 market, where short sales dominated both the buyer and seller market. We knew how the banks worked and worked closely with the other agents for a 100 percent close rate. “This polished our negotiating skills, so when the market took an upswing and we entered a multiple-offer market in November 2011 and 2012, we boosted our buyers’ offer acceptance chances by writing the cleanest offers imaginable. For sellers, we upped the game by enhancing our marketing strategy to bring it to the professional level it is at today and subscribing to premium memberships with companies like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia and others to give their listing an advantage over our competition. Troop Real Estate upped their game as well by expanding their tools, resources and marketing avenues to give our listings an edge over other brokers’ listings,” Rector said. The experience gained through a tumultuous housing market coupled with advances in marketing strategy helped pave the way for Stan Rector and Associates to be recognized for going above and beyond to help their clients reach their goals, not only for their current and future clients, but their colleagues as well. “Achieving Platinum Level for our 2015 production was not only a milestone for our business, it signified that we helped to make a difference in the lives of more families than ever before. We credit much of our clients’ success to our trusted relationship with industry professionals, our assistant, Tiffany Anderson, who has been the backbone of our business for over four years, and the newest addition to our team, also a licensed agent, Jeannie Sattler, who has proven herself to be among the best this industry has to offer,” Rector said.

CLICK HERE to access the article in the Acorn or CONTACT Stan Rector and Renee Rector today.

Ventura County home sales plummet in November, CoreLogic report says December 2015:

Home sales fell sharply across Southern California in November, according to data released Wednesday.[/caption]

Home sales fell sharply across Southern California in November, according to data released Wednesday.

Ventura County saw the biggest drop, with sales of new and existing homes and condos declining 25.7 percent from October, according to a report from CoreLogic. A total of 714 homes sold in November, compared with 961 in October.

The decline was 19 percent across Southern California, which also includes Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. A total of 16,122 homes sold across the region in November, compared with 19,920 in October. The month was one of the slowest Novembers for home sales in 25 years, said CoreLogic research analyst Andrew LePage.

“It’s normal for activity to drop between October and November, but the 19 percent decline between the two months this year was roughly double the typical decrease,” LePage said. Year over year, the picture was more positive, with Ventura County seeing a 5 percent increase in sales from November 2014. Bob Majorino, a local franchise owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty, said sales volume and prices tend to be lower in November anyway. “Part of it, of course, is the holiday season,” Majorino said.

“There can be anywhere from a 10 to 20 percent increase in sales activity from November to March or April,” Majorino said when both buyers and sellers are more committed to making a deal. As with other real estate professionals, Majorino said many buyers are less in a hurry to buy a home now, especially when compared to the level of sales before the 2007-08 crash. Home prices are also stabilizing somewhat, Majorino said.

The median home price in the county was $510,000 in November, up 10.9 percent from $460,000 a year ago. It was $438,000 for all of Southern California, a 6.8 percent increase from a year ago, according to the CoreLogic report.

Renee Rector, a Realtor with Troop Real Estate in Simi Valley, said 2015 was the best year her office has had in 15 years. “We are in a more stabilized market now,” Rector said. She noted that it’s easier to get financing for a home now, although there are certainly more restrictions than there were in the years leading up to the housing market crash. Rector said a big part of her job involves educating buyers as to what their options are when it comes to buying a home as well as the benefits and costs of owning a home. “In general, I think it’s still a very strong and healthy market here in Ventura County,” Rector said.

Fewer homes were sold in November compared to October in each of the six Southern California counties listed by CoreLogic. While Ventura County saw the biggest drop, Los Angeles County came in second with a 22.8 percent decline over October. San Bernardino County came in third with a 19.1 percent drop, followed by an 18.4 percent drop in San Diego County and a 14.1 decline in Riverside County. Orange County had the lowest decrease with 14 percent fewer homes sold in November. CoreLogic is an Irvine-based company that tracks numerous industries, including the real estate and credit industries. CLICK HERE to see the article in the Ventura County Star or CONTACT Stan Rector and Renee Rector today.

Troop Turkey Drive 2015 declared a success November 2015:

CEO Brian Troop called this year’s Troop Turkey Drive, the 16th annual fundraising event that provides local income-qualified residents with a Thanksgiving meal, a success. He thanked volunteers for their efforts in fundraising and food distribution. “Donations came in at the last minute to help us accomplish our goals,” Troop said.

With the combined efforts of volunteers, donors and various nonprofit organizations, approximately 23,000 people received a Thanksgiving meal, including 750 military families at the Seabee base in Port Hueneme that the company included in gratitude for their service to America. The drive collected donations and used 100 percent of the funds to buy $25 meals for families of 10 people. Each meal included a 14- to 18-pound turkey, a 5-pound bag of potatoes, a box of stuffing, two cans of green beans, a can of cream of mushroom soup and fresh rolls.

“This is a blessing,” said Mary Flandez, Salvation Army program coordinator and social service aide. “We always look forward to this event that Alex Gandel and Troop Real Estate put together.”

As in the past 15 years, families in need arrived early that week at Troop offices to pick up their food. Volunteers from the Ventura County FOOD Share, Salvation Army, Manna, Simi/Moorpark Lions Club, Skinny Wimp Moving Company, Prospect Mortgage, Consumers Title, All Valley Escrow and Troop Real Estate handed out food, often walking the items to the recipients’ cars.

Volunteers brought food to the homes of those unable to attend. “Year after year, I am never surprised by the goodness and kindness that shows up in so many people. We’re merely the vehicle to help. All the corporate sponsors, donors and volunteers are the wheels that help us roll to the finish line every year. Without everyone, this would never be possible,” said Troop Real Estate agent Alex Gandel

Lance Clauson, the owner of Skinny Wimp Moving Company, has sponsored the transportation of the food for the past three years. On the Friday before the event, Skinny Wimp drivers picked up dry goods bought with donated funds from Albertsons in Simi Valleyand delivered them to Troop Real Estate for bundling. On Monday morning, two drivers and assistants were dispatched back to Albertsons to pick up turkeys and deliver them to Simi Valley and Ventura Troop offices for the big event. “Personally, it feels really good to be apart of this,” Clauson said. “I think it’s a wonderful thing to do every year, and we are happy to be a part of it.”

Participating every year since 2000, Stan and Renee Rector, Troop Real Estate agents, raised $1,500 in donations for the event. Donning their 2015 Turkey Drive T-shirts, the two agents showed up along with many other volunteers to hand out food. I’ve seen people hurting through the holidays,” Stan Rector said. “Food banks are often empty the first few months of the year, but people need food all year round.” Like Rector, Tim McPhillips of Prospect Mortgage contributed to the turkey drive again.

“The first time I delivered food to people who couldn’t be here, about four or five years ago, I was driving to their homes and personally giving them the items,” McPhillips said. “It was a life changer. People are so thankful. It is a great way to start the holidays off.”

CLICK HERE to see the article in the Thousand Oaks Acorn or CONTACT Stan Rector and Renee Rector today.

Agents reach new heights in the real estate industry, thank clients for support Novemeber 2014:

Troop Real Estate Inc. professionals Stan and Renee Rector recently took their clients out to Harley’s Valley Bowl in Simi Valley to celebrate reaching new heights in the real estate industry. They wanted to thank their clients for the continuous amount of support and referrals they received throughout the year.

“The referral aspect of our job is so important to us, and the real estate industry as a whole,” said Renee Rector. “A referral is sending someone you care about to someone you trust. To date, over 70 percent of our business is done with people who know us, have done business with us, or who have been referred to us by someone who has. We felt it was important to do something fun and show our appreciation to those who trusted us to be their guide through selling and/ or buying a home.”

At the event, 170 past and current clients, family and friends showed up on Oct. 24, filling all 40 lanes. Many attendees were sporting costumes and “sick bowling skills” while having a good time.

Thirty gifts were raffled off during the bowling spree, including toys and kids’ baskets as well as “date night” baskets, gift cards, Bluetooth speakers, a Keurig 2.0 coffee brewer and a Samsung Galaxy. Memories were made with a photo booth and photographer. As the Rectors finish up 2014 strong and head into 2015, they thank their past and current clients for their support and trust, as well as Troop Real Estate Inc. for support. CLICK HERE to see the article in the Simi Valley Acorn or CONTACT Stan Rector and Renee Rector today.

Brian Troop takes Troop Real Estate Agents and Employees to Maui, Hawaii June 8 2014:

More than 75 Troop Real Estate Inc. management and agents were invited by Brian Troop on the annual Top Producers Trip which took place on the island of Maui, Hawaii. In May, Troop Realtors who worked hard in 2013 and earned a place in Troop Real Estate’s Award tiers — Presidents Club, Presidents Club Elite, Platinum Club and Double Platinum Club — were rewarded with rest, relaxation and adventure on the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands.

The 75 agents and families from the 13 Troop Real Estate offices invited to attend included Double Platinum Club recipients Alex Gandel, Debbie Gates and Tina Hare; Platinum Club recipients Stephen Christie, Amy Gandel, Chris Garvin, Christy Rueckert, Blake Mashburn, Samantha Kirkpatrick, Ray DeSilva, Eddy Milanes, Susan Kozman and Ken Grech; President’s Club — Elite recipients Mary Leyden, Karen Lindsey, Joe Ahearn, Karen Thompson, Mike Gratland, Sarah Abrams, Mike Lefton, Stan Rector, Terri Freidin, Scott Puckett, Robert Dickran, Judy Lewicki, Jo Ann Poole, Mark Smith, Robbie Starr and Karen Rooke; President’s Club recipients Robert Swanson, Larry Smart, Steve Lousen, Randal Barondess, Maria Nolan, Eric Arnaud, Melissa Baugher, Debbie Briscoe, Deborah Delaney, Sandra Rutter, Sharron Parker, Deborah Tyhurst, Rosalie Zabilla, Pat Hanley, Jeff Riggs, Scott Urquhart, Lixin Durborow, Joe Sportato, Nate Minkel, Curt Sommers, Rod Tuazon, Scott Troop, Ismael Lopez, Carole Philpott, Andy Torres, Max Estes, Sharon Phelps, Tim Fox, Dee Dee Hubbard, J.D. Williamson, Allan Mann, Jan Bigotti, Robert Mahone, Sharon Osborne, George Thomson, Dedree Hoyt, Barry Kessler, Ryan Elliott, Karen Troop and Janet VanBibber.

Agents and their families enjoyed luxurious oceanfront accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, which is surrounded by 40 lush, immaculately landscaped beachfront acres, presenting an astonishing array of delightful ways to spend the days and nights. During the trip, agents were able to explore all the activities the island of Maui has to offer, including snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding or just relaxing on the warm sand. Commencing all their hard work and dedication, agents also received a special cocktail party overlooking the ocean.

Troop names President’s Club Elite award winners February 2014:

Jo Ann Poole, Barry and Debra Kessler, and Stan and Renee Rector have earned a President’s Club Elite award for 2013, one of Troop Real Estate’s highest recognition.Stan and Renee Rector of Rector and Associates acknowledged their work is a team effort. The success of the team comes from a combination of efforts, and centers on their philosophy to keep business manageable. “Our business flourishes when I talk to people,” said Stan Rector. “We block out time to make sure to connect with people regularly. Our goal is always to keep it simple; we don’t take on more clients than we can serve with 100 percent of our attention and effort.” The Rectors have a unique business model, tracking all marketing activity and closely watching what works and what needs revision, in both their own business and in the marketing activities for their clients. Since the Rectors have been with Troop Real Estate, they have earned numerous awards and have qualified for the coveted Presidents Elite Club for the third time in a row, signifying exemplary production.

Emilio Mora, manager of Troop Real Estate Simi Valley, announced that Stan and Renee Rector of Rector and Associates Inc. earned a President’s Club Elite Award for 2013, one of Troop’s highest recognition. February 2014:

The success of the team comes from a combination of efforts, and centers on their philosophy to keep business manageable. “Our business flourishes when I talk to people,” said Stan Rector. “We block out time to make sure to connect with people regularly. Our goal is always to keep it simple; we don’t take on more clients than we can serve with 100 percent of our attention and effort.” The Rectors have a unique business model, tracking all marketing activity and closely watching what works and what needs revision, in both their own business and in the marketing activities for their clients. Since the Rectors have been with Troop Real Estate, they have earned numerous awards and have qualified for the coveted Presidents Elite Club for the third time in a row, signifying exemplary production. For more information about Stan and Renee Rector and their real estate services, CONTACT Stan Rector and Renee Rector today. CLICK HERE for the full article in the Camarillo Acorn

2013 was a good year for sellers in Ventura County’s housing market January 2014:

Amid scarce listings, and surging prices and demand, 2013 was a boon time for sellers in the Ventura County residential real estate market. Buyers snapped up homes last year with a sense of urgency that sometimes drove them to overpay, said Renee Rector, a Realtor with Troop Real Estate in Simi Valley. On average, she was getting about 15 offers per home. She’s now seeing three or four. The competition from investors has lessened as the inventory levels have dried up. Prices are still rising but not as fast, and buyers are settling down, she said. “It was extremely aggressive,” Rector said, describing the environment in 2013. “It was like a game. You kind of had to teach your buyers and sellers how to play that game. More importantly, not to get caught up in it.” DataQuick Information Systems posted its December figures Tuesday, the final piece in a full year’s data set for 2013. The median price paid for a home in Ventura County averaged $428,188 last year, up nearly 20 percent from $357,000 in 2012. There were 9,947 new and resale houses and condos that sold, down 0.6 percent from 2012. DataQuick’s report signaled an inventory crunch continues to boost demand in the Ventura County and Southern California housing market. The median sales price for new and resale houses and condos in the county last month was $449,500, climbing 21.5 percent from 2012. There were 765 sales, down 11.7 percent over the year. In Southern California — Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino and Orange counties — the median price paid last month rose to a 2013 peak of $395,000, which was also the highest for any month since February 2008. Home sales in the six-county region fell to a six-year low for the month of December. A total of 18,415 new and resale houses and condos sold in the Southern California region last month down 9.2 percent from 20,274 a year ago. “Sales have fallen short of the same period a year earlier for three consecutive months now,” said DataQuick President John Walsh, “and the pitifully low inventory is the main culprit. The inadequate inventory levels have made it difficult for buyers to find lower-priced homes to purchase, DataQuick reports. The number of Southland homes that sold below $200,000 last month dropped 45.6 percent year-over-year and homes selling for under $300,000 fell 38 percent. Meanwhile, year-over-year sales rose across the board for homes priced above $300,000. Looking ahead, Janet Dorsey, Ventura branch manager for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, said January could prove to be extremely light on closed sales due in part to current inventory levels. She believes that county’s luxury market inventory levels are up, but said there’s little available for under $350,000. And that’s not because affordable homes don’t exist in the county, she said they just aren’t on the market. Why? “That’s the million dollar question,” Dorsey said. “We have noticed sellers are staying put.

 CONTACT Stan Rector and Renee Rector today.

Frenzied housing market forces cleverness on the part of average buyer April 2014:

The Saunders family has been outbid on every house they’ve seen in Simi Valley since they started shopping in February. They don’t have enough money to make an all-cash purchase, nor do they have 20 percent to put down. But what they do have is a stable income, a mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration and an unshakable belief that there’s a seller out there who cares about more than making a profit, a seller who’s interested in finding the right family to hand the keys to. Banking on the existence of a benevolent seller, Christie Saunders composed a personal letter of introduction to include with her family’s bids. In it, she writes of their search for a home to love and build memories in for their two young children and 7-month-old baby, Bennet, who was born with half a functioning heart. “In his short life he has undergone two major open-heart surgeries as well as four other surgeries to help him breath and eat,”Saunders wrote in her letter. Bennet needs one more surgery in the next two years. By then, the family hopes to be in their new home. “We are anxious to start fresh, in a new house where we can put the past behind us and live looking forward to our very hopeful future,” Saunders wrote.

Saunders is learning to be resourceful at a time when average buyers are facing an atypical housing market that pits them against an influx of investors willing to pay cash at a time when inventories are low. Economists say the inventory crunch is a result of homeowners waiting for home values to rise before listing properties. Nationwide, the number of homes listed for sale on Zillow, an online real estate information service, was down 16.6 percent year-over-year in late February, with large California metro areas experiencing the biggest decrease in homes listed for sale. Houses also are staying on the market fewer days. In February 2012, the median time it took to sell a home in Ventura County was 86.5 days, according to the California Association of Realtors. By February, that number was 54.2 days. It is most difficult to find homes under $450,000 in Ventura County, according to Renee Rector, a Realtor with Troop Real Estate in Simi Valley. She said those able to go above that price point will see it open up a little more, but it’s still rough.”

It’s competitive no matter what the price range is,” she said. For the past several months, economists have been saying the local housing market is in recovery mode and momentum will pick up through the end of the year, with improved inventories in 2014 as home values rise. But until that happens, average house hunters are up against hordes of buyers able to make cash purchases within days, sometimes sight unseen. The number of all-cash sales in Southern California increased to 35.6 percent in February, up from 33.7 percent a year ago, according to DataQuick. Those figures are far above the historical average of 15.9 percent dating back to 1988. The percentage of homes being sold and flipped in Southern California also went up, from 3.7 percent in February 2012 to 6.9 percent this past February. So average buyers have begun mixing it up with novel tactics like writing letters, enclosing photos, sending the first page of their FICO score reports and presenting offers in person. Whatever it takes to compete. When Ventura teacher Claudia Stepan lost a house in midtown Ventura to a cash buyer who plans to use it as a rental, she penned a letter. Intent on getting into that neighborhood, she wrote about her family and their search for the right home to raise three children, then delivered it to eight houses surrounding the home she had wanted. She’s also enlisted help from friends on Facebook, and is relying more heavily on word-of-mouth. “It’s just not a good market for the regular person,” she said. Rector said it’s unlikely that emotions will drive sellers to choose one buyer over another, but when they get identical offers across the board, it does happen. For example, Rector recently held an open house on Ardenwood Avenue in Simi Valley and more than 82 people viewed the property. Fifteen offers subsequently came in and five of them included introductory letters.

“When the seller picked through the offers, they chose the one with a letter with pictures of the family,” Rector said. That type of situation is why Rector is urging all her clients to take extra steps to be noticed. It is, after all, an ultracompetitive housing market in which most properties end up being sold to absentee owners without personal stories to tell. One of the world’s largest private-equity firms is behind many of the absentee-owner purchases in Ventura County. Since August, more than 100 purchases have been made in the area by THR California, which operates under an arm of the Blackstone Group, a New York-based investment firm with worldwide real estate assets of more than $50 billion. THR California rents the single-family homes it buys. Another investor buying homes in Ventura County is North Hollywood-based Strategic Acquisitions, which began making area purchases in 2011. A spokesperson for the company did not return calls seeking comment. Besorat Properties Inc. of Moorpark is another investor that began purchasing condominiums and houses in 2010, including some that are being rented and others that are being flipped, according to owner Tony Hershman. Even for investors, the Ventura County housing market has become crowded. Hershman said he gets irritated by those who “look down on investors as people driving up the market,” buying houses cheap and selling them at high prices. “It’s not that simple,” he said. “We’re investing a lot of money in these houses to fix them up. Yeah, we’re taking a profit, but it’s not nearly as profitable as you think it is.” Regardless of who buys, the reality is there just aren’t a lot of properties for sale, said Peter Greer, who owns Arroyo Grande-based Vintage Investment Properties, which assists investors in finding residential and commercial properties to purchase in the area. In his opinion, investors entered the market when the stock market plunged, but they won’t be in the game forever. “Investors wanted someplace to put their money, and the one thing we know about real estate is it’s the inflation buster,” he said. “It keeps time with inflation. So at least they’re not losing money, even if the value goes down.” Greer believes that as the stock market rebounds, investors will move their money to startups and other places. Meanwhile, first-time and move-up buyers wait. “I’m not going in very hopeful anymore,”; Stepan said. “I’m just going in.” “We just know the right situation is going to have to come up,” Saunders said.

CONTACT Stan Rector and Renee Rector today.

Troop Agents Complete Buffini & Company’s Peak Producers Training

Troop Real Estate announced that top-producing agents Stan and Renee Rector recently completed Brian Buffini & Company’s Peak Producers training program, a comprehensive business development course. The program teaches agents how to provide exceptional customer service that is personalized to their clients’ needs and communication styles. It creates advocates for their business, resulting in clients who are happy to refer them to family and friends. In addition to creating a climate of client satisfaction, the program enhanced their professional skills, allowing them to effectively navigate price reductions, negotiate at an advanced level, and resourcefully manage time while building a predictable business. Facilitated by Kathy Courter, manager of Troop Real Estate’s Thousand Oaks branch, the Peak Producers program has enabled the Rectors to advance their business. They have reported an increase in referrals from their past and current clients, a higher number of accepted client offers, and stronger bonds with clients. Peak Producers was created by industry expert Brian Buffini and top producer Joe Niego of Buffini & Company, the largest training and coaching company in North America. The Rectors were pleased with their successful experience in the training program. “Every real estate professional should join Peak Producers training,” they said. The 12-week course enables agents at any level of production with any amount of experience to develop the habits, practices and advanced skills necessary to become top producers in their industry. For more information or to join a Peak Producers class, call Kathy Courter at (805) 413-8234 or email [email protected].

CLICK HERE to read the full article in the Thousand Oaks Acorn or CONTACT Stan Rector and Renee Rector today.

Real Estate Company hands out Thanksgiving meals in Simi Valley November 2011

Photo by Juan Carlo/The Star Brad Gandel, helps put out all the turkey to volunteer that carry food to needy families at the Troop Real Estate, Inc. Turkey-A-Thon. This year, Troop announces a goal of feeding 3,125 needy families, or 25,000 people, including 300 recently “adopted” military families. About 2,700 families will have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner thanks to a real estate company and volunteers. At Troop Real Estate’s corporate offices in Simi Valley on Monday, families received a 14-pound turkey, a 5-pound bag of potatoes, rolls, stuffing and the ingredients for a green bean casserole. Simi Valley High School student Zerina Ramirez, 17, was one of the 150 volunteers helping take food to people’s cars. “My friend told me he was volunteering today,” she said. “I volunteer with my family a lot. Volunteering is just a part of me.” Meal recipients are registered through food banks such as Care and Share/Salvation Army in Simi Valley, Moorpark’s Food Pantry and Manna in Thousand Oaks. “This is a wonderful program,” said recipient Kimberly Campbell of Simi Valley. “I wholeheartedly thank them. For a single girl it can really be difficult to pay for gas and rent, and they helped me out last year. I want to say thank you, Troop, and God bless you.” Even chairman Alex Gandel said he was pleased the group could help military families. This year we were able to deliver 300 meals to the naval base, which is the first time we’ve been able to help the military,” he said Gandel remembers the time 12 years ago when the idea came to him.

He had been active with the food drive through the association of Realtors in Simi Valley and thought it just wasn’t sufficing any longer. I called Care and Share and asked what they needed a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, and the woman said turkeys. I went to the grocery store, and I asked the manager how many turkeys I could buy for $200. I told her what it was for, and she asked if I wanted potatoes. I called Care and Share and asked if we could do meals.” He bought 10 meals, went back to the office and told Brian Troop what had happened. Four days later he had $3,000 to buy meals for 150 families. “This makes me feel really great to be able to give back to the community that we work and live in,” said Troop, president and CEO of Troop Real Estate. The families and individuals who got the meals were grateful. “It is so wonderful that we can have a real Thanksgiving dinner with our family,” said Simi Valley’s Kathleen Reyes. “This is the first time we are going to have a real good Thanksgiving dinner. We are so thankful for this program.” Said 84-year old Santos Cornel of Simi Valley: “This is a big, big help for us low-income seniors. I’ve been coming here for probably seven years. Thank God for programs like this that help seniors.” Liz Cruz of Moorpark lives on a fixed income and said the meal came at a good time for her family. “We only have a certain amount of money to make it through the month. This is such a great blessing that they are able to give us a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving. I have three children, and we will be able to have a happy Thanksgiving,” she said. Gandel said the program is having a “record year.” “Things are very tough for people right now,” he said. “But the way we raise the money is we ask people how many families they would like to feed. Each meal costs $20 and when the word gets out, that kindness inside of everyone seems to take over.”

CONTACT Stan Rector and Renee Rector today.

Troop members donate food, school supplies November, 2014:

Some of the agents who participated in delivering the supplies to Care & Share are (from left) Jim Eadie, Lea Stevens, Emilio Mora, Debra Kessler, Alexandra Fierro-Houston, Renee Rector, Stan Rector, Scott Troop and Rachel Correll. Jim Eadi and Emilio Mora, managers of the Troop Real Estate office on Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley, are proud to recognize and thank the agents and their clients who kindly donated food and school supplies to the Care & Share food bank. With the beginning of the school year, area families in need not only face the challenge of putting food on the table but of getting children ready for school. With schools facing challenges of their own, the burden increasingly falls to the family to provide supplies. Care & Share mentioned they needed school supplies and the Simi Troop Real Estate office went to work collecting more than four truckloads of goods. “We are truly thankful to be part of a community that steps up to met the challenge of helping those in need,” Mora said. “Thank you to all who participated, as Troop Real Estate and its agents have and always and will be committed to giving back to our community.” Eadie and Mora would also to like to acknowledge the Simi Valley High School music program whose members also participated in collecting goods for the food and school supplies drive.

CONTACT Stan Rector and Renee Rector today.

Troop Real Estate 10th Annual Turkey-a-thon Feeds Thousands!

Stan Rector and Leroy Layba, right, agents for Troop Real Estate, unload turkeys Monday at the 10th annual “Turkey-A-Thon” at the business in Simi Valley. Each recipient was given a frozen turkey, potatoes, green beans, fresh rolls and more. In the parking lot outside the Troop Real Estate office in Simi Valley on Monday morning, 25-year-old Victor Rubio helped load car trunks with large bags filled with frozen turkeys, pumpkin pies and other traditional Thanksgiving fare. The work was nonstop for Rubio and his 22-year-old brother Bryan Rubio. The line of people continued to grow for the three hours the turkey dinners were given out during Troop’s 10th annual “Turkey-A-Thon.” Organizers said an estimated 13,784 people will be fed for Thanksgiving by the turkey dinners distributed this week at both its Simi Valley and Ventura Troop Real Estate offices. Victor Rubio said he didn’t mind the hard work because when he was a child, his family was in a similar situation and needed help, too. “We were always very appreciative of getting help, so we always knew we wanted to give back,” said Victor Rubio, who has volunteered for many years during the holiday season. His mother, Veronica Rubio, who runs Simi Valley’s Care and Share, was there with her sons, checking off names of those in line. They worked alongside many volunteers from Troop and various community organizations. Those receiving food were from various backgrounds and situations. There were seniors, single mothers, people with disabilities and some just down on their luck. All the recipients went through their local food banks to qualify. They received the basics to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including a 10- to 12-pound frozen turkey, potatoes, cans of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, a box of stuffing, cranberry sauce and fresh rolls. This year was the first year the recipients received pumpkin pies, all purchased by Simi Valley Hospital. In 1998, Alex Gandel, a real estate agent at Troop Real Estate in Simi Valley, came up with the idea to feed as many families as possible during Thanksgiving. Since then, the Troop team has distributed more than 70,000 Thanksgiving meals in the community. Gandel said many people and companies offered to help and contributed $32,912 toward the effort in the past month. He said the team surpassed its goal to feed at least 10,000 people. “This year, given our economic climate, the need has been greater and people turned out to help,” said Gandel. “Next year, we’re going to take it to the next level and feed even more people.” Rose Phillips, 85, was one of the many seniors who received the dinner. “This is wonderful and I’m very appreciative. We don’t realize how lucky we are today here. Some people in other places won’t have anything to eat,” Phillips said.

CONTACT Stan Rector and Renee Rector today.

Simi Valley Troop team, Chipotle join to benefit Simi Valley Care & Share food bank November 2009:

Owen Noguera (center), general manager of Chipotle Mexican Grill in Simi Valley, is joined by Renee Rector, an agent for Troop Real Estate, Inc. in Simi Valley, and her husband/business partner Stan Rector, to display a portion of the food items they raised for Care & Share in Siim Valley When Renee Rector won a free meal recently at the Simi Valley Chipotle Mexican Grill’s regular drawing, she had a vision. With the cooperation of Chipotle’s General Manager Owen Noguera she thought of a great opportunity to provide a much needed boost for the local food bank while providing a free meal for members of the community. It all started when Rector — an agent teamed with husband and business partner, Stan Rector, in Troop Real Estate’s main Simi Valley office — won a free meal at the restaurant. “Owen asked me to bring in my friends and family members for a free meal,” Renee said. “Giving it some thought and having participated in Troop’s drives to give back to the community for years, I asked him, ‘How many people can I bring?’ He said, ‘How many people are close to you?’ ” She tried to be modest, but replied “about 30 or so.” Owen said OK. The Rectors felt it would be a great idea if they offered their clients a free meal at Chipotle Mexican Grill. But along with the invitation, the couple asked them to bring in canned foods and other nonperishable food items to help the local Care & Share food bank in Simi Valley. “The most amazing part was how many people showed up. Chipotle Mexican Grill provided somewhere between 60 and 78 free meals. We were touched to help so many people with Owen’s cooperation who, in turn, helped others,” Renee said. Recently, the Rectors visited Care & Share to make the donation of the canned goods in Chipotle Mexican Grill’s name. “We raised a considerable amount of food in the three hours we were at Chipotle,” Renee said. “Many of the folks that ultimately benefitted are facing particular hardships in today’s economy.”

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Stan Rector of Simi Valley, leaps from 130 above ground attached to a bungee cord. He is observed by Star staff writer Tom Kisken who remained with the crane. August 2009:

Source: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/aug/17/reporter-barrels-through-hectic-last-day-at-fair/

Agent, escrow officer honored for service Simi Valley-Moorpark Association of Realtors installs 2008 leadership Posted December 30, 2007

In the Ventura County Star Passion for encompassing both the most important investment his clients will ever make as well as routinely mastering 100-mile bike rides are at the heart of Stan Rector’s selection as 2007’s Realtor of the Year for the Simi Valley-Moorpark Association of Realtors, leading a group of five agents or officials of Troop Real Estate Inc. honored by the group at its recent 43rd annual installation dinner. Other Troop personnel to be honored and selected to key SVMAR posts included Leanne Alva of All Valley Escrow, who was named Affiliate of the Year for SVMAR and is the first escrow officer to ever receive that award. All Valley Escrow is an affiliate of Troop Real Estate. Additionally, SVMAR immediate Past President Nicole Romanowski and assistant manager in Troop’s Moorpark office, Peter Greer, manager of the Moorpark office, and Charlene Siemon, manager of the company’s Simi/Wood Ranch office, were elected to the association’s board of directors. Rector, a top-producing agent in Troop’s Big Sky/Simi office, was described during his introduction as combining a commitment to making a difference in his industry and displaying passion both in his profession and in the diverse activities of his personal and civic life. “Many of us have had the pleasure of working with him in real estate transactions and would agree that his ability to work collectively with all parties involved is not only refreshing, but sometimes humorous, often entertaining, but most importantly, always professionally fair and honest,” said Romanowski in announcing Rector’s selection. She went on to say that Rector volunteered his time to serve as an SVMAR director and committee chairperson from 2004-2006 and has been instrumental in implementing systems and business strategies “that help each and every one of us as real estate professionals. With his vast knowledge of technology and understanding of its importance in our industry, we were blessed to have him as a key player in the design and implementation of what is now the Ventura County Regional MLS,” Romanowski said. Reacting to his Realtor of the Year designation, Rector, a Simi Valley resident, said: “I’m blown away. Being honored by your peers is the ultimate recognition, exceeding even production awards.” In being honored as Affiliate of the Year, Alva was cited for “being the affiliate member who provides significant contributions and service to the Simi Valley-Moorpark Association of Realtors.” An escrow officer since 1997 and associated with All Valley Escrow since 2002, Alva became an escrow officer for the firm in 2005. Among her many services to SVMAR were affiliate chair in 2006 and 2007, installation chair in 2006, and affiliate committee chair awards two years running.

Simi Valley grandmother wins 2007 Ford Mustang from Troop Real Estate

Imagine this — your doorbell rings and when you open the door, you are greeted by someone holding a huge arrangement of balloons, a stuffed teddy bear and a bottle of wine. This was the scene at the home of Mary Smith of Simi Valley a few weeks ago when Renee Smith (no relation) dropped by to personally deliver news that Mary was the winner of a brand new 2007 Ford Mustang from Troop Real Estate. “I was surprised, shocked, excited, and just flabbergasted,” said Mary Smith. And, to think — she delayed sending the entry back in because she “never wins anything.” Simi Valley Ford once again assisted Troop Real Estate with finding the perfect vehicle for their third annual car giveaway. “This is a great event and we love working with Troop. It was great to see the reaction from the winner when we handed her the keys,” said Larry Merriman, sales manager for Simi Valley Ford. Mary and her husband, Jack, are Mustang fans and have owned several. She says if they were going to buy a new car, chances are they would have purchased a Mustang. Troop Real Estate agents mailed 90,000 entries to Ventura County residents, of which roughly 3,000 were returned. Mary Smith received her entry card from Renee Smith, an agent in Troop’s Simi Big Sky branch. “Mary was one of my first clients. I was thrilled when I learned she was the winner,” said Renee Smith. Mary Smith is adding a few upgrades to her hot new Mustang — leather interior, a spoiler and silver ghost flames. “My sons Jeff and Steve and my granddaughter Taylor are super excited as well. Taylor can’t wait to get picked up from school in Grammy’s new car,” said Mary Smith. Simi Valley Ford, Home of the “FordMan,” is committed to providing quality and expert service to each and every customer. The dealership is located at 2440 First Street in Simi Valley.

For more information about Simi Valley Ford, call 583-0333.  For more information about Stan Rector or Renee Rector  CONTACT them today.

Simi Valley resident wins new Mustang via Troop, countywide marketing program

Mary Smith is a blue chip Mustang lover, but the Simi Valley resident won’t have to pony up for her latest edition. That’s because Smith received the keys to a sparkling new 2007 Ford Mustang from Brian Troop, president of Troop Real Estate Inc., during ceremonies Sept. 4 at Simi Valley Ford. Smith, accompanied by her husband, Jack, drove off with the gray metallic Mustang donated by Troop in cooperation with Simi Valley Ford after having her entry drawn from among 10,000 actual entrants from approximately 100,000 prospects who received flyers in a special Troop direct mail marketing campaign. The program generated participation from some 650 Troop agents in 16 Troop offices throughout Ventura County and environs. Renee Smith (no relation to the recipient), an agent in Troop’s Simi Big Sky office, was the host agent who had her mailing submitted by Mary Smith and selected in a drawing by Troop’s headquarters staff. The contest was open to entrants at large. Being a Troop client was not required. “I am totally flabbergasted and excited,” Mary Smith said while sliding behind the wheel of her new Mustang. “I really like Mustangs and have had several in the past; I would have bought one if I’d been in the market. Now I don’t have to. In fact, when Jack and I were married over 40 years ago, our first car was a 1965 Mustang. Now my 10-year-old granddaughter, Taylor Smith, gets to ride in one too!” Smith was so pumped with her new pony that she and her husband, who has restored Mustangs, immediately customized their new car, including installing leather interior, a spoiler, and silver “ghost” flame paint accents. “This car will replace my bulky SUV,” she said. “A better person could not have won the car,” said Renee Smith. “Mary is the reason I survived my first 5 years of real estate and not only has she been a past client of mine, but continues to refer people to me. I was so excited after I learned Mary had won, I rushed right out to deliver her a teddy bear, a bunch of balloons and a bottle of wine, and showed up at her doorstep to congratulate her personally.” Mary Jo LaLonde, manager of Troop’s Simi Big Sky office, said she is “delighted that the winning entry came from her office and is another example of Troop’s long-term commitment to give back to the community.” Troop added that “it is particularly gratifying to present the shiny new car to a delightful individual like Mary Smith.” He said this is the third consecutive year Troop has given away a vehicle through this program. Joining in the presentation was Larry Merriman, sales manager of Simi Valley Ford, which also presented a car last year. Mary Smith has been retired for several years after having served as office manager for Simi Valley ophthalmologist Harry Loo.

For more information about Stan Rector or Renee Rector  CONTACT them today.